The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Thursday, October 5, 2017 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

“Cheek To Cheek” was written by Irving Berlin for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Cheek To Cheek” in 2014 for the album Cheek To Cheek. It’s a very nice rendition of this song.

Cheek To Cheek

Listen to Cheek To Cheek on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · 2014


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as the album Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

I have a video special for today, featuring some dancer named Fred Astaire. I hear he’s pretty good. 🙂

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This a Lovely Day?

The song of the day for is “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” in 1935 for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoors gazebo. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Isn’t This a Lovely Day?” in 1987 for his album of Irving Berlin songs, Bennett/Berlin.

Isn"t This a Lovely Day

Listen to Isn"t This a Lovely Day on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1987


“Isn’t This a Lovely Day?,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

Here is that clip from Top Hat!

I must say that Miss Rogers kills in those jodhpurs.

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Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Monday, February 6, 2017 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Cheek To Cheek” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and remains popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga recorded “Cheek To Cheek” in 2014 for their album of the same name, Cheek To Cheek. The arrangement is by our friend Marion Evans. (I think, at least. The liner notes are rather vague when it comes to the arranger for each song.)

Cheek To Cheek

Listen to Cheek To Cheek on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga · 2014


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as the album Cheek To Cheek, is available from iTunes.

About Today

After watching the halftime in today’s Super Bowl, I had no choice but to play a Lady Gaga song. I’ve been watching halftime shows and live concerts by some of the greatest performers, but this show was something else. If you missed it, here’s a link to the show on YouTube.

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Song of the Day: Isn’t This A Lovely Day

The song of the day for Sunday, May 22, 2016 is “Isn’t This A Lovely Day.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote this delightful song in 1935 for the Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers movie Top Hat. In the film, Astaire and Rogers are caught in a rainstorm while sitting in an outdoor gazebo. The song was introduced by Fred Astaire. This song has also been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Diana Krall, Jeri Southern and Tony Bennett.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded this very nice version of “Isn’t This A Lovely Day” in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. Mr. Bennett arranged the vocals for the song and does a wonderful thing in capturing the feel of the rain as well as the Fred Astaire dancing.

Isn"t This a Lovely Day

Listen to Isn"t This a Lovely Day on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett · 1987


“Isn’t This A Lovely Day,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

And here’s the video of the number. Because it’s Fred Astaire, that’s why. And for once, Ginger Rogers didn’t have to dance in high heels.

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Song of the Day: Cheek To Cheek

The song of the day for Saturday, April 7, 2016 is “Cheek To Cheek.”

About This Song

Irving Berlin wrote “Cheek To Cheek” for the 1935 film Top Hat, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, where it was introduced (beautifully) by Fred Astaire. Though the song was nominated for an Academy Award (it lost to “Lullaby Of Broadway”), it became a hit in 1935 and has remained popular to this day. Significant recordings include those by Harry James, Glenn Miller, Roy Eldridge, Bing Crosby and many, many more. Fans of the Tom Hanks’ movie The Green Mile might remember this song, as Top Hat is viewed in the prison. For many, it is one of the very first songs that comes to mind when one thinks of Fred Astaire and the 1930s Hollywood musical.

About This Version

Tony Bennett first recorded Cheek To Cheek in 1987 for his album Bennett/Berlin. This recording features George Benson on guitar.

Cheek to Cheek

Listen to Cheek to Cheek on Spotify. Song · Tony Bennett, George Benson · 1987


“Cheek To Cheek,” as well as Bennett/Berlin, is available from iTunes.

About Today

Once again it’s video Saturday. Here’s a more recent version of today’s song, featuring Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga from their PBS special.